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family life

In this new series, we ask a freelance mum when and why she chose the freelance path. First up, Bristol-based graphic designer and mum-of-one Amy Goddall discusses her side-hustle taking over from her office job, and why she loves this way of working…

“When no one’s looking I lie down. It is exhausting being a parent, and trying to juggle work and life, and be the best you can be – no matter what anyone says.” Pragya Agarwal – mother of three, including twins, academic, writer, creative, entrepreneur – on family life…

“We live in a converted Jacobethan train station, built in 1846. It came complete with a dual-faced platform, waiting room clock and worn steps to the ticket office (now our dining room) from footfall.” Charlotte Noone on family life in Yorkshire…

“Bedtime tends to be smooth sailing. Papa B worked hard at establishing a night-time routine when Esme was first born. It was tough but by three months she was sleeping through the night.” Candice Brathwaite – writer, presenter and co-founder of Make Motherhood Diverse – on family life…

“Our house is quite small. I’m a firm believer in toy rotation so we never have everything out. We also keep the sitting room a toy-free zone which helps me feel like an adult at the end of the day!” Eloise Rickman (@mightymother_) talks motherhood and Montessori living…

When Nicola Emmett returned to her marketing role after maternity leave, she found the hours and commute no longer worked for her. She needed flexible work that would fit around childcare so she quit and – after a long, hard search – landed the dream job…

“Our approach to home education is very relaxed whereas some of our friends follow a more formal approach,” says Francesca. She talks us through their decision to homeschool, how they make it work and what friends and family think…

“I had fertility acupuncture in order to relax and help me along the way. After the fifth session, Bob’s your uncle: I was pregnant.” Primary school teacher Anna Duley on conception, motherhood, guilt and the unexpected pressure having a baby put on her relationship…

“Having a baby puts a strain initially on every relationship… life changes so drastically and immediately that relationships can end up low on the priority list,” says full time mum and blogger Amethyst Vazquez…

“When I asked my family their favourite meal, I tried to frame it in a way that would elicit the response “your delicious and nutritious vegan stews mum” but they all said pizza. Keda Price-Cousins on family life and renovating the house herself…